March 27
For David says concerning him, ‘I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken; Acts 2:25
Yesterday afternoon, two Boston Firefighters were killed in the line of duty. Like many before them, they sacrificed their lives to save the lives of others. Both firefighters willingly chose to be at Engine 33, one of the busiest stations in the city of Boston, and without question, they were confident and well-trained in their profession.
Michael Kennedy and Lt. Ed Walsh responded as they did every day, performing the job they loved to do . . . doing the work God set in their hearts as theirs – their vocation. What most likely appeared to bystanders as an ordinary, routine call, their response, along with their “brothers’” was immediate and efficient, but unfortunately not enough. God had another plan. As my Father, who was a retired Boston Firefighter always said, “There is no ordinary or routine alarm. Things can change in an instant.” And they did. Witnessing the intensity and ferocity of that inferno, and the speed at which it consumed that building, it is clear there was no time for them to change direction and I can’t help but believe that our Lord was before them, at their right hands, leading them directly to safety – to Him.
They leave behind loved ones . . . families and friends who cherished them, who loved to be in their presence, whose lives are now forever changed without them there; three little children are now left without their Daddy. And I can’t help but keep saying in my heart over and over ,”Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
Oh God of all creation, bless these men, their families and all who sacrifice their lives each day for the safety of us all!
Please pray also for the many injured during this terrible tragedy.
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson